acarus

[ ak-er-uhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural ac·a·ri [ak, -, uh, -rahy].

acarus

/ ˈækərəs /

any of the free-living mites of the widely distributed genus Acarus, several of which, esp A. siro, are serious pests of stored flour, grain, etc

Origin of acarus¹

1650–60; < New Latin < Greek ákari mite

Origin of acarus¹

C17: New Latin, from Greek akari a small thing, a mite

The itch-mite (Acarus scabiei) and the louse (Pediculus capitis, corporis, vel pubis) are the more common members of the group.

The presence of lice and of the Acarus Scabiei can bring about acute and severe skin eruptions.

To the invasion of the cutaneous structures by an animal parasite, the sarcoptes scabiei (acarus scabiei).

Another species of Acarus, A. sacchari, is found abundantly in ordinary moist sugar.

It is possible that the pustular disease which prevails at Sierra Leone is originated by some peculiar acarus.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse